Networking careers: wired, wireless, mobile and more

One of the largest categories for IT certifications, and thus IT careers, has to be networking. Without applying more specific criteria, a networking cert could cover local wired and wireless IP network design, connectivity, routing, and administration, but also mobile communications technologies like LTE and Mobile WiMAX.

In addition, data center networking falls under this umbrella, as well as wide area network (WAN) connectivity and quality of service, as do traditional long-haul technologies such as carrier Ethernet, optical fiber, and so on. This survey whittled the list down mainly to the most popular local wired and wireless networking certifications. A handful of certs in this article overlap general networking with Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and mobility, but they’re exceptions to the rule.

The list also includes a mix of vendor-neutral and vendor-specific credential sponsors, although vendors are more heavily represented. You’ll see certifications from well-known technology vendors like Aruba Networks, Cisco, Extreme Networks, HP, and Juniper Networks, as well as vendor-neutral certifications by BICSI, CompTIA, and the IPv6 Forum.

Advancing your career in networking

If you’re just starting a career in networking, we recommend that you pursue one or more vendor-neutral, entry-level credentials such as the CompTIA Network+, any of the CWNP certifications, and the IPv6 Forum Silver Certified Engineer. These credentials expose you to many different but highly valuable networking technologies and products and will be helpful in finding a networking job.

The only free certification on the list is Hurricane Electric IPv6, which actually represents several credentials at multiple levels. The program is very well developed and continually expands, and it looks to be more than worth the time you will spend studying for any of the exams.

After achieving one or more vendor-neutral credentials, consider vendor-specific certifications that are pertinent to your line of work. For example, if you work for a consulting firm that supports Cisco and HP technologies, pursue applicable intermediate- or professional-level certifications. Training costs for vendor-specific certifications are generally higher than vendor-neutral, so be sure to find out if your employer will cover part or all of the cost of training and certification exam fees.

Networking job types

For those just starting a career in networking, here is a short list of the available types of positions and networking jobs:

Network Specialist

Network Technician

Network Administrator

Network Analyst

Network Manager

Network Engineer

Network Solutions Architect

As you develop your networking career further, you might decide to specialize in one or more areas of networking. At this point, the networking jobs you would be applying for might include:

Network Security Specialist

Cloud Networking Architect

Networking Research and Development Specialist

Wireless Networking QA Engineer

Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist

Mobility Solutions Architect

VoIP Engineer

Telecom Project Manager

Data Center Networking Specialist

There are also plenty of networking jobs in sales and consulting, so be sure to check out:

Networking Sales Specialist

Networking Account Manager

Networking Consultant

Networking Program Manager

40+ most popular networking credentials

The following table lists 46 networking credentials in alphabetical order by sponsor.

Focused on supporting the information technology systems (ITS industry), BICSI is a professional association with more than 23,000 members in approximately 100 countries.

The ITS Technician credential is a mid-level certification targeting those with a minimum of three years’ documented industry experience as well as familiarity with ITS-related chapters in National Electric Code (NFPA70) and ANSI/TIA telecommunications standards.

The credential identifies professionals who understand and can apply installation-specific information, lead installation teams, perform testing and troubleshooting on copper and optical fiber installations, evaluate applications of ITS cabling installation, make recommendations regarding codes and standards, and perform retrofits and upgrades for existing infrastructures.

Oracle has a well-established vendor-specific certification program. OCE is an advanced certification validating technical skills of system administrators who work with LANs and the Oracle Solaris operating system (Oracle Solaris OS).